Exploring the Journey of New Zealand's Rising Country Stars - Miranda Easten and Stephanie Beck

In the latest episode of the Songwriter Trysts podcast, host Rae Leigh sits down with two of New Zealand's rising country music stars, Miranda Easten and Stephanie Beck. These talented artists open up about their journey in the music industry, their aspirations, and what lies ahead for them.

The Road to Australia and Beyond

As New Zealand's country music scene continues to grow, Miranda and Stephanie are eager to take their talents across the Tasman Sea. Australia, with its thriving music culture, is at the top of their list. "We really want to come to Australia," says Stephanie Beck, sharing their plans to connect with Australian fans and immerse themselves in the country music community.

Aiming for the Stars

For Miranda and Stephanie, the journey isn't just about making music; it's about achieving dreams. With goals as lofty as touring Australia and even winning a Grammy, the duo is determined to push their boundaries. As Stephanie puts it, "Awards aren’t the most important thing, but they’re a great thing to aim for." Miranda echoes this sentiment, celebrating their success in New Zealand's top 10 albums chart and the growing recognition of country music in their homeland.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists

Rae Leigh also delves into the challenges of the music industry, asking the duo what advice they would give to aspiring artists. Their message is clear: persistence is key. "Just keep going," says Stephanie, emphasizing the importance of learning from every experience and staying true to oneself. Miranda adds, "It's all about little puzzle pieces... just write down your puzzle pieces and tackle them one at a time."

Looking to the Future

As they continue to build their careers, both artists remain inspired by the legends who have paved the way. They cite Dolly Parton and Neil Young as dream collaborators, with Stephanie even dedicating a song on her EP to Dolly titled, "What Would Dolly Do?"

Miranda and Stephanie's passion for their craft is undeniable, and their excitement for what's to come is palpable. For fans and supporters, the best way to stay connected is by following them on social media and streaming their music. And who knows? With any luck, these talented artists might soon be performing live in Australia.

Stay tuned to the Songwriter Trysts blog and podcast for updates on their journey and more inspiring stories from the world of music.

Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Tyla Rodrigues, a rising star in old-school country music. With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Tyla has made a name for herself at prestigious festivals like Groundwater, Tamworth, and Gympie Music Muster. She has also shared the stage with renowned artists such as Tori Darke, Jeremy Turner, Andrew Swift, and Lane Pittman.

In this episode, Tyla shares her journey, her passion for traditional country sounds, and how she blends them with her unique style. Discover the stories behind her emotive songs inspired by personal experiences, love, heartbreak, and the simple joys of life. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a true artist dedicated to preserving and evolving the spirit of country music.

Tune in and get to know Tyla Rodrigues, a name to watch in the country music scene!

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Welcome to another episode of Songwriter Trysts. Today, we have the privilege of featuring a rising pop-rock sensation who's making waves with her poignant and deeply relatable music. Melanie Cowmeadow is here to discuss her

'Empath' is an introspective track that delves into the struggles of anxiety and the emotional challenges faced by people pleasers. Melanie's distinctive sound shines through in this song, blending her emotive vocal delivery with heartfelt lyrics and powerful dark pop-rock instrumentation. This vulnerable open letter speaks to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their own empathy and the weight of others’ expectations.

With its raw honesty and relatable

This release follows the success of her previous single, 'Dear Dad,' which has been praised for its unique ability to channel personal experiences into music and storytelling. With close to 200,000 collective streams, Melanie continues to solidify her place as an artist to watch.

Hailing from Adelaide, Melanie Cowmeadow is known for her powerful vocals and emotive songwriting. Her music blends introspective lyrics with infectious melodies, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of genres. Seamlessly

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In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, we sit down with Vanessa Lawless, an inspiring singer-songwriter from Grafton, deeply connected to the Northern Rivers. Vanessa shares her journey of discovering her artistic identity, starting from her early inspirations like Shirley Temple to her high school days where she began to realize her potential in songwriting. She reflects on her father's influence, the encouragement she received, and her struggles with self-doubt and perfectionism.

Vanessa opens up about her transformative path, which includes a detour into healing and spirituality as a massage therapist before fully embracing her musical career. She discusses the importance of genuine connections, role models like Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys, and the challenges of navigating the modern music industry. With a focus on creating music that truly represents her values and experiences, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in her artistic journey. Join us as Vanessa Lawless candidly shares her story, her growth, and her vision for the future.

Watch Vanessa Lawless's liver performance in the Songwriter Trysts Studio HERE

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Australian singer-songwriter Katie Thorne, from Dubo, recently engaged in a vibrant conversation with Rae Leigh, the host of the Songwriter Trysts podcast. During their discussion, Thorne shared her enriching experiences at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she had the opportunity to work with Pat Pattison, the renowned songwriting author of "Writing Better Lyrics." Known for her distinctive sound that echoes the styles of Thelma Plum, Norah Jones, and RAYE, Thorne brings her own unique charm and authenticity to her music. She also delved into her latest musical projects, highlighting her evolving artistry and the fresh, emotive tracks she has been crafting. Her insights and stories reflect a deep passion for her craft, making her a captivating guest on the podcast and a rising star in the music scene.

Conncet with Katie here:

Justine Eltakchi is featuring on the Songwriter Trysts podcast after meeting host Rae Leigh at the APRA AMCOS Songwriter Awards Night in Sydney in 2024. Renowned for her ARIA-nominated songwriting and toplining, Justine's impressive portfolio includes over 60 international releases, contributions to Eurovision Australia and The Voice Australia, and the founding of the RESOUND Songcamp in 2020. An APRA-AMCOS Ambassador and advocate for disability awareness in the Australian music industry, Justine has participated in esteemed international song camps such as 2019 SONGEXPO in Norway, 2022 SUISA in Switzerland, and 2022 Unified Song Camp in Scotland. Her collaborations span a diverse range of artists, from EDM UK act Tough Love and Australian icon Casey Donovan to rising stars Abby Christo and Alanna Vullo, as well as LGBTQI+ icon PENELOPE. Under her project Zemi Gold, Justine continues to captivate audiences with her powerful dance anthems, showcasing her emotive voice and masterful songwriting. We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we did.

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Strawberry Swing isn't just about tunes; they're about making a difference. They're a band from Wollongong, Australia, who use their music to talk about important stuff like politics and how to make life better for everyone. They believe that Aussies can do practical things to change the economy and support the arts. They even had a chat with Rae Leigh from the Songwriter Trysts podcast, where they talked about their music and why they're so passionate about what they do. By sharing their thoughts and songs, they're not just making music—they're inspiring others to take action too.

Connect with Strawberry Swing HERE

From New Zealand, Kaylee Bell has emerged as a captivating force in the country music scene. Her viral performance on The Voice, featuring an original song dedicated to Keith Urban, catapulted her into the spotlight, where she continues to shine as a powerful female songwriter.

Recently, Kaylee shared her inspiring journey on the Songwriter Trysts podcast, detailing her experiences as an independent artist living and working in Nashville, New Zealand, and Australia. Her story is one of resilience and determination, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women pursuing their dreams in the music industry.

As an award-winning artist, Kaylee's music resonates with audiences worldwide, weaving emotion into every lyric and melody. With her new album topping charts and a captivating tour underway, she's proving herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Don't miss the chance to experience Kaylee Bell's magic live. Catch her on tour and new album "Nights Like This" and witness the raw talent and infectious energy that have made her a rising star in country music. Join the journey and be inspired by the unstoppable spirit of Kaylee Bell.

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Welcome to Songwriter Trysts Podcast! In today's milestone 250th episode, we have the incredible Murray Cook joining us, alongside our host, Rae Leigh.

Murray shares his remarkable musical journey, from crafting his first big hit, "Dorothy the Dinosaur," to his illustrious 20-year tenure with the iconic children's group, The Wiggles, and now his exciting venture with The Soul Movers. We delve into the intricacies of the music industry, the joys and challenges of touring the world, and the evolution of his sound throughout his career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true legend of the industry!

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